Wie's 2008 campaign was disrupted by a wrist injury

American Michelle Wie secured her place on next year's LPGA Tour after finishing inside the top 20 in a qualifying tournament at Daytona Beach.

The 19-year-old carded a 74 to claim a share of seventh place on 12-under-par.

Wie joins a tour that will play three fewer events in 2009 than this year, with $5m less in prize money.

Battling a wrist injury, Wie had a disappointing 2008 campaign - missing three cuts and being disqualified from another event in nine LPGA tournaments.

Her career has failed so far to live up to the promise she showed when becoming the youngest player to make a cut in an LPGA event, a feat she accomplished at the age of 13 in the 2003 Nabisco Championship.

She announced she would turn professional in October 2005, just six days before her 16th birthday, but has failed to win a tournament as yet.

Wie has also played in men's events but has failed to make a cut on the PGA Tour and this year she was criticised for entering a men's tour tournament at the same time as the Women's British Open.

"Everything that was written about me, it was a tough period," she admitted. "I have worked hard, and finally this week I get something for my accomplishment.

"It definitely boosts my confidence. I have worked really hard this week, and for this moment.

"It's a good feeling. I really earned it. I legitimately went through Q-School, went through the first stage, went through the second stage, and I really got it. It feels good to get that card, like high school graduation, I guess."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version